Julián Álvarez strikes against Real Madrid, teases Atlético move | OneFootball

Julián Álvarez was once again decisive on a historic night for Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine forward scored two goals —one from a penalty and another from a free kick— to seal the 5-2 victory against Real Madrid in the capital's derby, a result that hadn't occurred for 75 years. The Spider was not only the best player of the match but also made statements reflecting his confidence, the team's, and dispelled rumors of changes: “I feel very well taken care of and I'm very happy to be here.”

“A very special day. We knew the importance of the match, being a derby and because we needed to earn three points at home and close the gap with the leader. We leave very happy,” said Álvarez after the victory at the Cívitas Metropolitano.

Regarding the penalty that put them ahead on the scoreboard, he was clear: “Every penalty is a new moment. I went determined to shoot to that side, strong. It was important because it was to take the lead, hence the euphoric celebration from everyone.” Later, he crowned the performance with a perfect free kick: “Sometimes we practice them. I was with Nico, we talked, and I ended up taking it. It was a good decision.”

Álvarez also spoke about the turnaround Atlético has shown in recent weeks: “At the start, the results didn't go our way, but we created a lot. We are the team that creates the most goal opportunities in La Liga and one of the most in Europe. Today we were effective, and that's why we took this victory.”

The Argentine, who has scored five goals in the last two matches, highlighted Simeone's role: “He told us to stay calm, that we were doing well, and to keep working the same way. They barely had shots on goal, and we were very effective.”

The victory not only sparked euphoria among the fans but also inside the locker room. “Like all the fans, we are also very happy. It's a special day, a very important victory, and because it's a derby. Also, for us, it means continuing to earn three points at home and taking points away from the leader,” added Álvarez.

Beyond the magnitude of the triumph, the statistics mark another milestone: Real Madrid has become one of the main victims in Julián Álvarez's career. The Spider has already scored 5 goals against the Merengue, the same as against Patronato (7) and Alianza Lima (6), clubs that have also repeatedly suffered from his scoring voracity.

With his double, Julián cements himself as a key figure for Atlético de Madrid and confirms that he is experiencing one of his best moments since arriving in Spanish football. The native of Calchín is now not only crucial on the scoreboard but has become the new standard-bearer of an Atleti that dreams of competing for the League and being a protagonist in Europe.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.